The 4th of July is celebrated as Independence day in America. So, what does it mean to be independent? 1. Not subject to control by others: self-governing.2. Not requiring or relying on someone or something else. Synonyms for independence are: self-sufficient, self-reliant, self-supported, and self-sustaining . . . the ability to live in freedom. On July…
We’re remembering those who gave their lives and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Come and tell us who you are remembering today…
What is sin? Sin is defined as anything that is contrary to the law or will of God. It includes doing what is wrong and failing to do what is right. The Hebrew word for sin used in the Old Testament is בלי (hhattah). The Greek word used in the New Testament is ἁμαρτία (hamartia)….
Adam and Eve had never experienced fear prior to that first temptation and sin. Now, thousands of years later, we’re still struggling with those feelings more often than we’d like. Sometimes, since the arrival of the Covid virus, it feels like fear is the norm rather than the exception. But, if it’s a given ….
Priests were designated by God to 1. offer sacrifices and be the mediators between God and His people 2. teach people God’s Law. You see, sinners could not go directly to a Holy God. But then, Holy God humbled Himself and came to us . . . Jesus came to live among us, died to…
Rules, rules, and more rules. Interestingly, rules and laws always lead to more and more rules and laws. New ones need to be created to “clarify” the originals. As soon as one law gets passed, people begin to look for loopholes that then, need to be closed by (you guessed it!) more laws. Rev once…
I’m guessing at one time or another you’ve heard someone say… “There’s nothing wrong with it, so I have the freedom to do what I want!” And no, I’m not talking about your kids. I’m talking about adults in the church. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul invited his reads to take a closer look at…
I ask God faithfully to make me “childlike.” Unfortunately, too often I give in to childish rather than childlike. Why do I ask to be childlike? Because Jesus said: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to…
Do you remember being a child and longing for the freedom you believed you’d finally have once you became an adult? Then you grew up and discovered that you enjoyed way more freedom as a child than you have now. There are more demands on your time, more expectations, more work … more everything. Freedom…
Do you ever feel like you’re dragging around a weight? That’s how I started this week. My body ached and my thoughts were a swamp of past and present struggles. It was time to go to war! I don’t often pray out loud, but on this day I needed to hear the cries of my…
When I began The Faith Project I had no idea where the adventure would lead me. In the first post of the year, I shared two basic commandments for the year: To grow in faith and love for God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; with a desire to be completely devoted to Him in heart, soul, mind,…
The last post of the month – The Faith Project look at Freedom – What’s Good and What Needs to be Better. Freedom from… Sin, Death, and Satan’s PowerYour PastYour Inner PhariseeFear Freedom to… Sin BoldlyTo Worship in Spirit and TruthPlan Your Messy LifeBe Who You’re Created to BeLIVE So, What’s Good? After this month-long…
Bring Good News to the poor.Proclaim that captives will be released, The blind will see, and the oppressed will be set free. Those words may sound familiar. They come from Sunday’s Bible readings found in Luke 4 and I’m guessing the subject preached on from many pulpits. I don’t often share my thoughts on Sunday’s sermon here…
Two weeks into The Faith Project and it’s time for the first update. So, how’s it going? Well, some good and some not so good. The Good Trusting that my freedom is complete because of Jesus is going great. I believe Jesus has made me: 1. Free from the guilt and shame of sin.2. Free from slavery…
I like to know the boundaries. What works. What doesn’t. Then I usually move the boundaries in just a bit for extra safety. Why? Because inside the boundaries I’m free to be me. I don’t have to worry about disasters or their consequences. I’m sure I sound terribly boring to you risk takers, but I’ve…
